Newman avoids call for transparent govt

Premier Campbell Newman has avoided answering why his government won't support a push to restore the state's democratic integrity.

About 50 prominent Queensland identities, including lawyers, unionists and media personalities, have signed a letter organised by think tank The Australia Institute calling for the restoration of the Fitzgerald principles.

The principles are named after former Queensland anti-corruption commissioner Tony Fitzgerald and relate to political notions of accountability and good governance. They include the public interest, equality and governmental transparency as key concerns.

Queensland Labor, Bob Katter's Australia Party, Palmer United Party and the Queensland Greens have all responded positively to the letter.

Mr Newman's Liberal National Party (LNP) has not.

When asked why, Mr Newman didn't answer the question and instead spoke about his government's achievements.

"We have made it an offence to lie to parliament," Mr Newman said.

"We publish ministerial diaries.

"We have made sure that RTI (right-to-information) applications are handled by public servants, not political staffers."

The letter in particular targets the Newman government, arguing it has weakened the state's anti-corruption watchdog and crafted laws that flout individual liberties.

It reads: "Successive governments have become too close to industry lobbyists and representatives, particularly from the resources industry, undermining public trust in the political process.

"The political parties (should) commit to a fresh, principled way of conducting the business of government."

Legal figures such as former Queensland Supreme Court judge Martin Moynihan, former Queensland Bar Council head Peter Davis and former Legal Aid Queensland chair Margaret O'Donnell have lent their support.

Queenslander Council of Unions president John Battams, as well as former Courier-Mail editor Greg Chamberlin and radio host Alan Jones have also signed the letter.